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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The 7 worst home design trends for anyone over 60 (and what to do instead)
Trendy isn't always timeless when it comes to home decor, especially when your joints disagree. While your younger self might have loved the idea of sleek, handle-free cabinets or a dramatic floating staircase, your knees, hips and peace of mind will all thank you for choosing function over fleeting fashion. 'Many of the most beautiful modern design features aren't built for long-term practicality," says Gemma Hobb, a Calgary-based Sotheby's International Sales Representative. "A home's functionality must evolve with its occupants.' If you're over 60 and planning to stay in your house for the long haul, consider avoiding these 7 home decor trends as part of any renovations. Picture this: you're trying to grab your coffee mug from the upper cabinet, but your arthritis is flaring up. Those handle-free cabinets suddenly become your worst enemy. Push-to-open mechanisms demand precise pressure and dexterity, which is precisely the kind of motion that becomes more difficult with age. Traditional handles and knobs? They're not just reliable workhorses; they provide better leverage and are gentler on aging joints. Deep base cabinets might maximize storage, but they also maximize frustration when you're crawling around on the kitchen floor, searching for the one pot you need. Items disappear into cabinet black holes. Your knees will protest. Smart solution? Pull-out drawers and lazy Susans that bring everything within easy reach. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Admit it — these are stunning. But are they safe? Not even close. Open treads become foot traps, and those barely-there railings offer about as much support as a gentle suggestion. 'Comfort, safety and ease of daily living become top priorities for aging homeowners,' Hobb notes. Your staircase should support you, not be an obstacle course. Smart homes promise convenience, but what happens when the technology outsmarts you? Wifi crashes, apps freeze, and suddenly, you can't turn on a simple light. Touch-activated faucets become maddening when dealing with tremors or reduced dexterity. Sometimes, the most sophisticated solution is the simplest. A regular light switch never needs a software update. High-gloss floors, countertops and cabinet doors gleam like mirrors in design magazines — and they can turn your home into an ice rink. They're slip hazards waiting to happen and also show every fingerprint, water spot and dust particle. Matte finishes aren't just safer; they're significantly more forgiving for daily life. Remember when sunken living rooms — also called conversation pits — were the height of sophistication? Today's version includes random decorative steps scattered throughout open-concept spaces. These unexpected level changes are trip hazards disguised as design elements. Your peripheral vision may not be what it used to be, and these subtle elevation changes can catch off guard. If you're stuck with them, contrasting tape on step edges and excellent lighting are non-negotiable. The minimalist bathroom aesthetic has banished grab bars as 'institutional' and eliminated tubs as 'outdated.' Big mistake. 'A poorly-designed bathroom can quickly become one of the most dangerous rooms in the home,' warns Hobb. 'Fortunately, most issues can be addressed proactively through smart design.' Modern grab bars come in sleek finishes that complement any design scheme. They're safety features, not eyesores. As for tubs, soaking can be therapeutic for aging joints, not to mention some people can't stand for long showers. 'In my experience, simplicity, safety, and low maintenance are what aging buyers value most,' Hobb explains. However, here's the thing: this doesn't mean your home has to look like a medical facility or sacrifice style for function. It's about making wise choices that will serve you beautifully for decades to come. For those ready to take a comprehensive approach to aging-in-place design, consider following a safety checklist for aging-in-place. The Government of Canada Guidelines provide an excellent framework covering everything from exterior lighting and secure railings to proper bathroom safety features and fire safety considerations. It's a room-by-room assessment that can help you identify potential issues before they become problems. Your future self will thank you for thinking ahead. After all, the most enduring design trend of all is one that lets you live comfortably, safely, and independently in your own home for as long as possible. Because the best kind of home design isn't just stylish; it's livable for life.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Four experts reveal how to ensure your home's interior NEVER goes out of fashion
When decorating a home, the goal for many is to come up with a scheme which will have long-lasting appeal. Not many people can afford to be making constant major changes to their home's interior, so it is important to create a space you won't quickly get tired of. To ensure your decor is timeless, there are a number of core principles you should follow, including getting the lighting and flooring right. Always avoid passing fads and, where possible, invest in high quality fittings and fixtures. This will put you in a strong position should you decide to sell up later down the line. Four interiors experts told This is Money how to make a home's interior timeless and enduring. 1. Get the lighting right Lighting plays a key role in any home and it is important to plan its positioning early on during any renovation or decorating work. Getting lighting right from the start will help ensure you don't feel you need to change it later down the line. This could be costly, particularly if you are looking at getting different ceiling light networks installed. You will need to factor in the layout, purpose and position of each room when making decisions about lighting. Tom Raffield, founder and creative director of Tom Raffield Lighting, told This is Money: 'South-facing rooms in good weather are bathed in warm light and need little illumination during the day. 'In contrast, north-facing rooms have less direct sunlight, resulting in a softer light. These spaces benefit from warm light, with a yellow or orange tone, creating a welcoming glow, offsetting the coolness. 'Light in west-facing spaces is cooler in the morning and brighter in the afternoon, and east is the opposite - enjoying the most sun in the morning and a gentle light in the evening.' He added: 'Take time to see how light travels and falls in each room of your home. This will enable you to position your lighting correctly from the start, avoiding costly adjustments later on.' On design, Raffield said: 'A beautifully timeless, well-lit home balances ambient task and accent lighting, thoughtfully layered through table, floor, wall and ceiling lights. 'Bring texture, depth and personality to your design scheme by introducing a range of lighting levels and styles that draw the eye and highlight the unique architectural features.' Dimmers enable you to soften the focus in certain parts of the rooms, while portable lights you can move around are also handy. 2. Flooring needs to stand the test of time Flooring is often a significant investment. It needs to complement your home and stand the test of time. No one wants to be ripping up carpets, wooden floors or tiles every few years. Kirsty Barton, marketing manager at Alternative Flooring, told This is Money: 'While trends can often be exciting and tempting to follow, timelessness is essential when it comes to choosing your main carpet. 'We recommended going for muted or neutral tones. These shades have enduring appeal and can serve as a strong foundation for any interior style. 'Natural textured carpets, with their beautiful weaves and organic patterns, are great for adding a sense of warmth to the home and an abundance of texture, without being too bold.' If you want some colour, rugs and runners are ideal, she added. On durability, Barton said: 'When choosing your new floor covering make sure to consider how the space is used. 'A durable, hardwearing carpet is ideal for high-traffic areas and busy homes. 'For staircases, 100 per cent wool or sisal runners offer both practicality and elegance. 'A tough fibre, sisal stands out for its strength and durability, particularly its ability to withstand daily wear and tear in comparison to other carpet fibres. 'Or for the bedroom, a higher pile and plush fibre will add a sense of comfort underfoot as soon as you step out of bed in the morning.' Faux carpets, made from man-made fibres to replicate sisal and wool, are a great alternative for households worried about frequent spills and stains. 3. Use colour wisely Getting the colour scheme right in a property's interior can be tricky. Going too neutral can be dreary, while going all out in bold colours could become tiresome to live in after a while. Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of Yes Colours, told This is Money: 'Green suits every area of the home as it's one of the most versatile colours on the wheel, and with so many shades to choose from the possibilities are endless. 'Tranquil shades of sage and mint green steer towards a relaxed and restful space, encouraging peace during unsettling times. These hues are ideal for areas such as the living room, bedroom or bathroom. 'While deeper hues of emerald and jade promote an energising and positive space, making it a perfect hue for the hallway, study or kitchen.' For bathrooms, Bestley said: 'Opt for a classic dark blue, which promotes the feeling of tranquillity or perhaps a warming dark green, which creates a relaxed and comforting feel. 'For those who prefer a clean, crisp look that gives a spa feeling at home, it's best to focus on uplifting shades of pale peach, pink or a warm white. 'Earthy tones create a relaxing space that reflects the outdoors, providing a grounded feeling. To recreate this look, pick out soft greens, sages, warm neutrals, soft peaches and dusky pink.' 4. Don't scrimp on the kitchen Think carefully about the sort of kitchen you will feel comfortable and content in. Avoid fads and passing trends and do not scrimp on this vital room in the home. If you ever decide to sell your property, the layout and design of the kitchen could be a dealbreaker. Speaking to This is Money, Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr, said: 'Trends come and go, whereas timeless looks are exactly that; timeless. 'A neutral colour palette, whether that's creams and greys or dark blues paired with wooden countertops, has the broadest appeal and will continue to remain popular for years to come. 'Not only this, but neutral cabinetry is extremely versatile and will complement a variety of different design styles, allowing the space to easily be re-worked to suit a variety of different looks.' He added: 'Remember, the quality of cabinets and the attention to craftsmanship shows immediately, as well as how it wears over the years.' For worktops, Bruce recommended a hardwearing natural stone, like quartz. While kitchen islands have been on trend for a number of years, Bruce is seeing an increase in requests for freestanding pieces. He said: 'While fitted kitchens are unlikely to ever go out of style, the request for freestanding pieces is on the rise. 'Rather than kitchen islands, we're seeing an uptake in bakers tables, similar to a kitchen island, but on legs. This freestanding piece makes the island feel like a piece of furniture while still having all of the benefits of a usual island with deep drawers and a place to perch. 'Freestanding larder units encompass it all; from storing your dry food, harbouring electrical goods, to the full tea station with a hot tap. It's no surprise it has become the must-have of any kitchen. 'These freestanding elements allow you to swap and change the look and feel of the kitchen.' How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Buy-to-let landlords should also act as soon as they can. > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. What about buy-to-let landlords Buy-to-let landlords with interest-only mortgages will see a greater jump in monthly costs than homeowners on residential mortgages. This makes remortgaging in plenty of time essential and our partner L&C can help with buy-to-let mortgages too. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Home decor retailer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as part of restructuring
At Home Group has filed for bankruptcy to help the home decor retailer undergo a restructuring. The company announced Monday it started Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings so that it can implement a "restructuring support agreement" that it has signed with lenders "holding more than 95% of the Company's debt." The restructuring support agreement will help the retailer wipe out "substantially all" of its nearly $2 billion in funded debt, At Home said. It will also infuse the retailer with $200 million of capital. Rite Aid Files For Bankruptcy For Second Time In Less Than 2 Years "The steps we are taking today to fully de-lever our balance sheet will improve our ability to compete in the marketplace in the face of continued volatility and increase the resilience of our business," CEO Brad Weston said. At Home has reached a deal for $600 million in debtor-in-possession financing in total. The other $400 million will come from a "roll up" of existing senior secured debt, it said. Read On The Fox Business App The funds, subject to court approval, will help "provide sufficient liquidity to support the business during the court-supervised process," according to At Home. Florida-based Airline Suddenly Shuts Down, Leaving Travelers Stranded While going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, At Home will sell products at physical stores and through its website, the company said. It plans to keep a "majority" of its home decor stores open during the process, according to a document on its restructuring website. The retailer's footprint currently spans 260 locations scattered across 40 states. Lenders including Redwood Capital Management, Farallon Capital Management and Anchorage Capital Advisors will become At Home's new owners following the completion of the restructuring, according to At Home. "Upon emergence from the rearranged restructuring process, At Home will move forward with new owners and a meaningfully strengthened balance sheet," Weston said. "Importantly, this process will also further equip us with opportunities to invest in our strategic initiatives and to continue fortifying our business for the long term." Weightwatchers Files For Bankruptcy The retailer's restructuring support agreement and bankruptcy filing come after At Home took "deliberate steps" over the past several months to help boost sales growth, manage its inventory better and increase its efficiency in the face of a "dynamic and rapidly evolving trade environment" from tariffs, according to At Home's CEO. In its Chapter 11 petition, it estimated a range of $1 billion to $10 billion for its assets. Its estimated liabilities had the same range. The home decor retailer's origins trace back to the late 1970s. It has been owned by funds affiliated with private equity firm Hellman & Friedman since article source: Home decor retailer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as part of restructuring Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kirkland's: Fiscal Q1 Earnings Snapshot
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (AP) — BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (AP) — Kirkland's Inc. (KIRK) on Tuesday reported a loss of $11.8 million in its fiscal first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Brentwood, Tennessee-based company said it had a loss of 54 cents. Losses, adjusted for non-recurring costs and severance costs, were 51 cents per share. The home decor retailer posted revenue of $81.5 million in the period. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights ( using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on KIRK at Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
At Home files for bankruptcy. Will 4 Kentucky locations be affected? Here's what we know
At Home is the most recent retail chain to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to media reports. The home decor chain has over 260 stores across the U.S. Here's what we know. The home decor store will continue to operate as usual, according to a report from CNN while the company navigates the Chapter 11 process. At Home will eliminate almost all of their approximately $2 billion debt and receive an additional $200 million to keep their business operational thanks to an agreement with their lenders. Prior to the bankruptcy filing, At Home announced plans to close at least 20 stores, The Wall Street Journal reported. It remains to be seen whether the bankruptcy will mean more closures. No Kentucky locations are included on the list of store closures in court documents at this time. There are four At Home stores in Kentucky. Lexington: 1996 Pavilion Way Jeffersontown: 11501 Bluegrass Parkway Florence: 4874 Houston Road Elizabethtown: 1811 North Dixie Ave. Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@ Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman. CONTRIBUTING: Greta Cross. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: At Home files for bankruptcy. Will any Kentucky stores close?
